This Underrated Trail At Emerald State Park In Vermont Leads To A Hidden Emerald Lake

If there's anything we're certain of, it's that every time of year is an amazing time of year to enjoy a hike at any of the 55 Vermont state parks. Enjoy cool weather and beat some of the crowds by venturing to Emerald Lake State Park ASAP. From the roadside, you may not notice its beautiful lake hiding in plain sight, but get closer and you'll be able to see what this natural wonder is all about.

Welcome to Emerald Lake State Park in East Dorset.

The 430-acre park is a favorite destination amongst hikers, due to the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail being nearby, along with the trails on Dorset Mountain. But with a few smaller trails near the lake, it's also popular for families and casual hikers.

The park surrounds the 20-acre namesake lake, Emerald Lake.

In the summer, it's a favorite spot for locals and out-of-town visitors to take a dip in its crystal clear waters. In the fall, it's an amazing bastion of color and light.

Take the lake trail to see beautiful Emerald Lake at all different angles.

The Lake Trail begins at the beach and follows along the shore of Emerald Lake to its southern end. It's only .5 miles long, so a relatively easy hike!

Along the trail, you'll find quieter swim spots.

Plenty of amazing views here and fishing is also popular along this trail.

Even in the fall, the lake is still breathtaking.

It may not look as emerald as it does in the summer, but the fall views are still pretty fantastic.

Sometimes the water even looks turquoise.

During different times of the day and during the summer season, the water may appear more turquoise than emerald.

For majestic views, easy hikes, and a serene setting, head to Emerald Lake State Park.

In addition to the Lake Trail, the Vista Trail is also popular and offers amazing views of both Emerald Lake and the Taconic Mountains. For those who want to stay the night, there are 66 tent and RV sites as well as 37 lean-to sites.

Have you been to this Vermont state park before? Is the short hike worth the beautiful views? What other state parks are worthy of a visit? Let us know - we'd love to hear from you in the comments! Need a place to call home while you're here? Check out all the offerings from our friends at Booking.com.